Colorado Crime Rates for 2013

Though Colorado is enjoying substantially lower crime rates than the majority of the country, it saw a bump of 41% in sexual assaults from 2012 to 2013. This may come as a bit of surprise to some, but as noted by many experts, prosecutors, and criminal defense attorneys, the change does not appear to be the result of a change in the actions of people. Rather, the increase in sexual assaults in Colorado appears to be a result of a definitional change in what a sexual assault is.

By the old definition, Colorado’s rate of sexual assaults hasn’t changed much from 2012 to 2013.

So what has changed in the law?

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the increased rate but the two largest changes are that the definition of sexual assault now includes sexual assault with an object as well as forcible sodomy. The new definitions are meant to cover the more modern definitions of sexual assault that are understanding more about male rape and how it should be included in the sexual assault laws.

Violent felony crimes also showed a slight increase in 2013 over 2012. There are a number of factors that may have contributed to the rise in violent felony crimes but there is not a clear factor as seen in the sexual assault statute change.

If you are interested in how the crime rate is effecting you and how changes in statutes can obscure the numbers, feel free to contact us. We would love to hear your opinions on the crime rates and ways that they can be brought down.

The information in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or as the creation of an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice, please contact an Attorney.

Nathaniel has worked in criminal law on both sides of the aisle spending time working for the prosecution as well as the defense. Most recently Nathaniel has represented individuals in violent felonies and drug cases. Prior to this work, Nathaniel handled DWIs, Domestic Violence Cases, Property Crimes, and White Collar Crimes. On the prosecutorial side, Nathaniel has most notably worked in Bosnia helping to prosecute individuals who committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Bosnian War from 1993-1995. In particular, Nathaniel helped in the prosecution of military leaders who arranged for the organized murders and rapes of innocent civilians in various towns in Bosnia. Nathaniel is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Northwestern University, and Phillips Exeter Academy.
Google Profile: Nathaniel Baca

Please email any feedback, comments, or questions or call at 303-586-1731.

Name

Phone

Email

Questions/Comments

Leave This Field Empty

Colorado Criminal Attorney for Denver DUI, Colorado DUI, Assault, Domestic Violence, and Felony Charges
provides this website for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.